Reinforced bag seam, method and apparatus for making same

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for making a film bag with reinforced bag seams includes a film extruder that produces a continuous tube of film. A flattener produces a continuous web of flattened film which has an upper surface and a lower surface. A fold maker has a receiving portion positioned above the web and a displacing portion is positioned below the web that moves cyclically upward to a first position to locate a portion of the web into the receiving portion, thereby forming a fold. A fold retention device prevents the fold from opening. A presser flattens the fold against the web. A sealer seals through the fold, forming a reinforced bag seam. A cutter severs a sealed portion from an unsealed portion of the web. A transport mechanism moves the film from the extruder, through the flattener, into the fold maker, beneath the presser, into the sealer and to the cutter.

RELATED APPLICATION

The instant application is a continuation of PCT Application Serial No.PCT/US2013/056166 filed on Aug. 22, 2013 and claims priority to thefiling date thereof.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The invention pertains to plastic and other film bags typically used forproduce or other merchandise. More particularly, the invention relatesto reinforced seams for such bags and methods and apparatus for makingthe bags.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Plastic and other film produce bags are commonly used in supermarkets,grocery stores and other markets where sanitation and ease of use inlimited spaces are important factors. These bags have advantages in thatthey are relatively inexpensive to produce, provide substantial carryingcapacity and may include easy opening features. Most bags are producedwith a heat welded bottom seam. Many bags have side or bottom gussets toprovide for increased carrying capacity or to provide convenientcarrying handles in “T-shirt” style gusseted bags. In both gusseted andungusseted bags, the weakest point is usually at the bottom bag seal.For gusseted bags the weakest point is typically at the point where thebottom seal of the gussets joins the bottom seal for the ungussetedportion of the bag. The present invention provides for a substantiallystronger bottom seal for both gusseted and ungusseted bags. In addition,the same technology is used to provide T-shirt style bags withsubstantially stronger handles.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,931,034, issued to Wagner is directed to bags made fromthermoplastic synthetic resin sheeting having cutoff weld seams andprocess for producing the bags. The bags have a bottom and/or lateralseam fashioned as a cutoff weld seam which are severed by transversecutoff weld seams from tubular film sheets optionally provided withlateral creases. The bottom seam is designed to be reinforced in theform of a cutoff weld seam and to allow the bags to be readily set in anupright position since there is no interfering protrusion in the seamzone on the outside. The shopping bags may be produced from a tubularsheet with lateral pleats transported in succession into the weldingstations. In the first welding station, the flush seam is welded with acertain width in the zone of the subsequent bottom cutout seam over theentire breadth of the tubular sheet. Utilizing the technique of awelding blade, the application of heat is effected unilaterally and thewelded material is severed into two parts and simultaneously weld seamsare created on both sides of the parting line. While the welding barproduces the flush seam, the wire or the hot strip merely affects acutting step thus allowing for two flush seams to be producedsimultaneously and severed by means of a hot wire. Thus, the inventionis able to produce bags with an improved strength and tear resistance ofthe bottom seams of the plastic bags.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,618,478, issued to Piazze, discloses a three dimensionalbag with reinforced bottom and method of forming the same. This patentdescribes the formation of flexible bags from heat sealable plastic filmin order to provide a square or rectangular bottom structure that isthus “reinforced” and thus provides a stronger bag. The heat sealableplastic film material utilizes supplementary seals in the gussetedbottom structure which strengthens the bottom end areas in order toprevent rupturing when the bag is filled with a flowable product. Theends of the gusset bottom folds are sealed to the sidewalls byextensions of the side seals such that the inner fold line and side seallines are joined together with the outer gusset folds in order toprovide the additional strength. The bag is formed from two rectangularwall forming panels which are flattened upon one another and connectedalong the side edges by bead-like seals or welds. The bag bottom isformed with a folded edge connecting the two wall panels wherein thefold is a bellows-type or an infolded gusset to provide a bottomstructure consisting of two panels on the opposite sides of acenterfold. The meeting points are at the juncture of the gusset innerfold and the side seals which provides triangular areas at the base ofthe vertical side thus providing multiple thicknesses of material andthe increased strength.

U.S. Patent Application No. 2010/0022375 published for Colla is directedto a method for the production of packaging bags having a reinforcedbase region and a device for carrying out the method. It is thusproposed to have a folded and bonded base reinforcement providing a highloading capacity with the folded portion providing the extra layers thatare thus held by an adhesive to make the bag stronger. A pair of rollersis used to draw the continuous film web toward the cutting unit whereinthe web has a portion forming the folding portion that protrudes beyonda retaining device. When the film web reaches its end position, the filmis severed in the cutting unit and subsequently adhesive is provided bya plurality of nozzles and ultimately a bond is formed with the foldingportion. After the hot glue is applied, the folding portion whichprotrudes beyond the retaining unit is folded over and upward along afolding line and pressed from above onto the film by means of a foldingdevice.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,622,421, issued to Cook is directed to a method forforming bags from thermoplastic tubing particularly concerned with amethod for forming bags by transversely perforating and sealing aflattened tube of thermoplastic film material thus dividing the web intoconnected series of bags. The web is passed through a perforating unitwhich applies lines of transverse perforations at intervalscorresponding to the length of the finished bag. The web then passesthrough a pair of draw rolls and ultimately around a drum with spacedvacuum ports only enabling a seal to be formed. The web then passesbeneath a sealing bar with heating elements such that a transverse sealis formed. After cooling, the web passes through a perforating mechanismthat defines one bag from the succeeding bag and ultimately the web iswound onto a reel.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,850,724 issued to Lehmacher is directed to an apparatusand method for fabrication of carrying bags including reinforced doublewalled plastic carrying bags. The high carrying strength bags are formedutilizing a side-folded and seam bottom welded thermoplastic film bagstructure with a double wall comprised of two thermoplastic films. Themain body portion of a length of thermoplastic flattened tubelongitudinally is infolded at opposite vertical margins to form a pairof infold panels. Handles or grip elements which are formed ofthermoplastic film material are attached to and extend above the bagmouth outer margin utilizing a tape strip. The method provides forformation of a flat and well defined rectangular bottom bags with wallpanel reinforcement. The front and rear wall panels of the body of thebag are comprised of inner and outer layers with a reinforcing insertdisposed therebetween. Each insert runs across the entire bag to theinfold edges from a location downwardly from the bag mouth edge. Gripelements are secured by an adhesive tape strip thus providingreinforcement for the handle portions.

While other variations exist, the above-described designs for reinforcedbags are typical of those encountered in the prior art. It is anobjective of the present invention to provide merchandise and producebags with substantially stronger bottom seams. It is a further objectiveto provide T-shirt style bags that lack the typical points of weaknessadjacent the joint of the bag gusset seams with the bag bottom seam. Itis yet a further objective to provide T-shirt style bags withsubstantially stronger handles. It is a still further objective of theinvention to provide bags with stronger seams that use a minimal amountof additional film material to provide the additional strength. Finally,it is an objective of the invention to provide methods and apparatus forproduction of such high strength bags that are simple and economical touse.

While some of the objectives of the present invention are disclosed inthe prior art, none of the inventions found include all of therequirements identified.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention addresses all of the deficiencies of prior artreinforced bag seam inventions and satisfies all of the objectivesdescribed above.

(1) A film bag with reinforced bag seams can be constructed from thefollowing components. A front wall and a back wall are provided. Thewalls are joined at first and second side edges. Each of the front andback walls has a top edge and a bottom edge. A fold is provided. Thefold is located in the front and back walls. The fold is positioned in aplane parallel to said front wall. At least one pair of the top andbottom edges is sealed together at either of an upper seam and a lowerseam through the fold and at least six layers of film.

(2) In a variant of the invention, first and second side gussets areprovided. Each of the gussets is folded inwardly from one of the firstand second side edges. The gussets have a top edge and a bottom edge. Atleast one pair of the top and bottom edges of the gussets is sealedtogether at either of the upper seam and the lower seam through the foldand at least twelve layers of film.

(3) In another variant, the bag with reinforced seams includes an openbag mouth and a handle aperture. The handle aperture penetrates thefront wall and the back wall.

(4) In still another variant, the top and bottom edges are sealedtogether at the upper seam and the lower seam through the fold and atleast six layers of film. The bag further includes a cut-out. Thecut-out commences at a first point along the upper seam spaced inwardlyfrom the first side edge and extends to a second point along the upperseam spaced inwardly from the second side edge. The cut-out extendsdownwardly toward the lower seam, thereby defining an open bag mouth andfirst and second bag handles.

(5) In yet another variant, the top and bottom edges of the gussets aresealed together at the upper seam and the lower seam through the foldand at least twelve layers of film. The bag further includes a cut-out.The cut-out commences at a first point along the upper seam spacedinwardly from an outside edge of the first gusset and extends to asecond point along the upper seam spaced inwardly from an outside edgeof the second gusset. The cut-out extends downwardly toward the lowerseam, thereby defining an open bag mouth and first and second baghandles.

(6) In a further variant, the top edges of the film bag are joined at aperforation to a header portion. The header portion is removed from thebag for use of the bag.

(7) In still a further variant, at least one aperture is provided forsuspending a pack of the bags from a dispensing fixture.

(8) In yet a further variant, the film includes about 40-48 wt. % highdensity, high molecular weight polyethylene, 12-20 wt. % high density,medium molecular weight polyethylene, 20-30 wt. % linear low densitypolyethylene, 0-8 wt. % color concentrate.

(9) In another variant of the invention, the film includes 0.5 wt. %slip and antiblock compound.

(10) In still another variant, the film includes 1-3 wt. % calciumcarbonate.

(11) In yet another variant, the film includes 10-20 wt. % recycledmaterial, the recycled material includes about 40-48 wt. % high density,high molecular weight polyethylene, 12-20 wt. % high density, mediummolecular weight polyethylene, 20-30 wt. % linear low densitypolyethylene, 0-8 wt. % color concentrate.

(12) In a further variant, the 10-15 wt. % of the linear low densitypolyethylene has a density ranging from 0.923-0.924 gm/cc.

(13) In still a further variant, the 10-15 wt. % of the linear lowdensity polyethylene has a melt index ranging from 0.25-0.30 gm/10minutes.

(14) In yet a further variant, the high density, medium molecular weightpolyethylene has a density ranging from 0.937-0.947 gm/cc.

(15) In another variant of the invention, the high density, mediummolecular weight polyethylene has a melt index ranging from 0.10-0.30gm/10 minutes.

(16) In still another variant, an apparatus for making a film bag withreinforced bag seams, includes a film extruder. The extruder produces acontinuous tube of film material. A flattener is provided. The flattenerproduces a continuous web of flattened film material. The web has afirst surface and a second surface. A fold maker is provided. The foldmaker has a displacing portion and a receiving portion. The receivingportion is positioned adjacent the first surface of the web. Thedisplacing portion is positioned adjacent the second surface of the weband moves cyclically toward the second surface to a first position tolocate a portion of the web into the receiving portion, thereby forminga fold in the web. The displacing portion moves cyclically away from thesecond surface to a second position outside of the fold. The fold has aleading surface, a trailing surface, a first edge positioned adjacentthe web and a second edge spaced from the first edge.

A fold retention device is provided. The retention device prevents thefold from opening as the web moves through the apparatus. A presser isprovided. The presser is positioned adjacent the first surface the weband urges the fold against the web after folding. A sealer is provided.The sealer provides at least one seam across the web through the fold,thereby sealing at least six layers of film together to form areinforced bag seam. A cutter is provided. The cutter severs a sealedportion of the web from a remaining portion of the web. A transportmechanism is provided. The transport mechanism moves the flattened filmmaterial from the extruder, through the flattener, into the fold maker,beneath the presser, into the sealer and to the cutter.

(17) In yet another variant, the fold retention device further includesat least one tack welding element. The element welds the web through thefold from the leading surface surface to the trailing surface. Theelement is sized, shaped and positioned to weld the web through the foldadjacent the first edge.

(18) In a further variant, the element is sized, shaped and positionedto weld the web through the fold adjacent the first edge and adjacentthe second edge.

(19) In still a further variant, the displacing portion of the foldmaker includes at least one opening, the opening is sized, shaped andpositioned to provide a path for welding the upper surface to the lowersurface.

(20) In yet a further variant, the transport mechanism includes firstand second drive rollers. The first drive roller is movably locatedadjacent the web before the fold maker and the second drive roller islocated in contact with the web between the presser and the sealer. Thefirst drive roller is out of contact with the web when the displacingportion of the fold maker is in the first position to locate a portionof the web into the receiving portion to form the fold. The first driveroller is in contact with and driving the web when the displacingportion of the fold maker is in the second position outside of the fold,thereby preventing the fold from opening as the fold enters the presser.

(21) In another variant of the invention, the sealer contacts the webwhen the displacing portion of the fold maker is in the first positionto locate a portion of the web into the receiving portion to form thefold. The sealer is out of contact with the web when the displacingportion of the fold maker is in the second position outside of the fold,thereby permitting the fold to enter the presser.

(22) In still another variant, the sealer provides lower and upperparallel seams across the web through the fold and the cutter severs theweb between the lower and upper parallel seams.

(23) In yet another variant, a bag mouth cutter is provided. The bagmouth cutter cuts a cut-out that commences at a first point along theupper seam spaced inwardly from a first outside edge of the web andextends to a second point along the upper seam spaced inwardly from asecond outside edge of the web. The cut-out extends downwardly toward asubsequent lower seam, thereby defining an open bag mouth and first andsecond bag handles.

(24) In a further variant, a gusseter is provided. The gusseter causesat least one of the outside edges of the web to be positioned inwardlybetween the first surface and the second surface of the web prior toforming the fold.

(25) In still a further variant, the top and bottom edges of the gussetsare sealed together at the upper seam and the lower seam through atleast twelve layers of film.

(26) In another variant, a winder is provided. The winder winds the webonto a storage reel for later processing.

(27) In yet a further variant, a method for making a film bag withreinforced bag seams includes the steps of: Providing a film extruder.The extruder produces a continuous tube of film material. Providing aflattener. The flattener produces a continuous web of flattened filmmaterial. The web has a first surface and a second surface. Providing afold maker. The fold maker has a displacing portion and a receivingportion. The receiving portion is positioned adjacent the first surfaceof the web. The displacing portion is positioned adjacent the secondsurface of the web.

Moving the displacing portion cyclically toward the second surface to afirst position to locate a portion of the web into the receivingportion, thereby forming a fold in the web. Moving the displacingportion cyclically away from the second surface to a second positionoutside of the fold. The fold has a leading surface, a trailing surface,a first edge positioned adjacent the web and a second edge spaced fromthe first edge. Providing a fold retention device. The retention deviceprevents the fold from opening as the web moves through the apparatus.Providing a presser. The presser is positioned adjacent the firstsurface the web and urges the fold against the web after folding.Providing a sealer. The sealer provides at least one seam across the webthrough the fold, thereby sealing at least six layers of film togetherto form a reinforced bag seam. Providing a cutter. The cutter severs asealed portion of the web from a remaining portion of the web. Providinga transport mechanism. The transport mechanism moves the flattened filmmaterial from the extruder, through the flattener, into the fold maker,beneath the presser, into the sealer and to the cutter.

(28) In another variant of the invention, the method for making a filmbag with reinforced bag seams further includes the step of: Providingthe fold retention device with at least one tack welding element. Theelement welding the web through the fold from the first surface to thesecond surface. The element is sized, shaped and positioned to weld theweb through the fold adjacent the first edge.

(29) In still another variant, the method for making a film bag withreinforced bag seams further includes the step of welding the webthrough the fold adjacent the first edge and adjacent the second edge.

(30) In yet another variant, the method for making a film bag withreinforced bag seams further includes the step of providing thedisplacing portion of the fold maker with at least one opening. Theopening is sized, shaped and positioned to provide a path for weldingthe upper surface to the lower surface.

(31) In a further variant, the method for making a film bag withreinforced bag seams further includes the following steps. Providing thetransport mechanism with at least first and second drive rollers. Thefirst drive roller is movably located adjacent the first surface of theweb before the fold maker and the second drive roller is located incontact with the web between the presser and the sealer. Moving thefirst drive roller out of contact with the web when the displacingportion of the fold maker is in the first position to locate a portionof the web into the receiving portion to form the fold. Moving the firstdrive roller into contact with and driving the web when the displacingportion of the fold maker is in the second position outside of the fold,thereby preventing the fold from opening as the fold enters the presser.

(32) In still a further variant, the method for making a film bag withreinforced bag seams further includes the steps of moving the sealer tocontact the web when the displacing portion of the fold maker is in thefirst position to locate a portion of the web into the receiving portionto form the fold and moving the sealer out of contact with the web whenthe displacing portion of the fold maker is in the second positionoutside of the fold, thereby permitting the fold to enter the presser.

(33) In yet a further variant, the method for making a film bag withreinforced bag seams further includes the steps of providing lower andupper parallel seams across the web through the fold and severing theweb between the lower and upper parallel seams.

(34) In another variant of the invention, the method for making a filmbag with reinforced bag seams further includes the step of providing abag mouth cutter. The bag mouth cutter cuts a cut-out that commences ata first point along the upper seam spaced inwardly from a first outsideedge of the web and extends to a second point along the upper seamspaced inwardly from a second outside edge of the web. The cut-outextends downwardly toward a subsequent lower seam, thereby defining anopen bag mouth and first and second bag handles.

(35) In still another variant, the method for making a film bag withreinforced bag seams further includes the step of providing a gusseter.The gusseter causes at least one of the outside edges of the web to bepositioned inwardly between the first surface and the second surface ofthe web prior to forming the fold.

(36) In yet another variant, the method for making a film bag withreinforced bag seams further includes the step of sealing together thetop and bottom edges of the gussets at the upper seam and the lower seamthrough at least twelve layers of film.

(37) In yet another variant, the method for making a film bag withreinforced bag seams further includes the steps of providing a winder.The winder winds the continuous web of flattened film material onto astorage reel for later processing. Unwinding the web from the storagereel. Feeding the web into the fold maker.

An appreciation of the other aims and objectives of the presentinvention and an understanding of it may be achieved by referring to theaccompanying drawings and the detailed description of a preferredembodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatusfor manufacturing an ungusseted bag with reinforced bag seam and theflattened bag web;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the fold maker of the FIG. 1 embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the fold formed for an ungusseted bagformed by the FIG. 1 embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the FIG. 3 fold aftertack welding;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the FIG. 1 bag web takenalong the line 5-5;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the FIG. 1 bag web aftersealing and prior to cutting;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the FIG. 1 bag web takenalong the line 7-7;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatusfor manufacturing a gusseted bag with reinforced bag seam and theflattened bag web;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the fold formed for a gusseted bagformed by the FIG. 8 embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the FIG. 9 fold aftertack welding;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the FIG. 8 bag webtaken along the line 11-11;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the FIG. 8 bag webafter sealing and prior to cutting;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the FIG. 1 bag webtaken along the line 13-13;

FIG. 14 is a sectioned perspective view of a gusseted T-shirt style bagwith reinforced upper and lower seams;

FIG. 15 is a sectioned perspective view of an ungusseted T-shirt stylebag with reinforced upper and lower seams;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a fold retention mechanism for anapparatus for making a bag with a reinforced bag seam prior to forming afold in a bag stream;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the FIG. 14 embodiment after formationof the fold by the displacing portion of the fold maker and aftersealing bottom of a prior bag and the top of the present bag;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the FIG. 14 embodiment after withdrawalof the displacing portion of the fold maker and after the fold entersthe presser;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a bag with a handle aperture having areinforced bag seam;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a header bag having a reinforced bagseam; and

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of an extruder for forming a tube of filmmaterial which is pressed into a flattened web and wound onto a storagereel for later use; and

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of an apparatus for taking a flattened webof film material and adding a reinforced bottom seam prior to forming abag from the web.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The present invention addresses all of the deficiencies of prior artreinforced bag seam inventions and satisfies all of the objectivesdescribed above.

(1) FIGS. 1-22 illustrate a film bag with reinforced bag seams 10 thatcan be constructed from the following components. As illustrated in FIG.15, a front wall 14 and a back wall 18 are provided. The walls 14, 18are joined at first 22 and second 26 side edges. Each of the front 14and back 18 walls has a top edge 30 and a bottom edge 34. A fold 154 isprovided. The fold 154 is located in the front 14 and back 18 walls. Thefold 154 is positioned in a plane parallel to said front wall 14. Atleast one pair of the top 30 and bottom 34 edges is sealed together ateither of an upper seam 38 and a lower seam 42 through the fold 154 andat least six layers of film 46.

(2) In a variant of the invention, as illustrated in FIG. 14, first 50and second 54 side gussets are provided. Each of the gussets 50, 54 isfolded inwardly from one of the first 22 and second 26 side edges. Thegussets 50, 54 have a top edge 58 and a bottom edge 62. At least onepair of the top 58 and bottom edges 62 of the gussets 50, 54 is sealedtogether at either of the upper seam 38 and the lower seam 42 throughthe fold 154 and at least twelve layers of film 46.

(3) In another variant, as illustrated in FIG. 19, the bag withreinforced seams 10 includes an open bag mouth 66 and a handle aperture70. The handle aperture 70 penetrates the front wall 14 and the backwall 18.

(4) In still another variant, as illustrated in FIG. 15, the top 30 andbottom 34 edges are sealed together at the upper seam 38 and the lowerseam 42 through the fold 154 and at least six layers of film 46. The bag10 further includes a cut-out 74. The cut-out 74 commences at a firstpoint 78 along the upper seam 38 spaced inwardly from the first sideedge 22 and extends to a second point 82 along the upper seam 38 spacedinwardly from the second side edge 26. The cut-out 74 extends downwardlytoward the lower seam 42, thereby defining an open bag mouth 80 andfirst 82 and second 86 bag handles.

(5) In yet another variant, as illustrated in FIG. 14, the top 58 andbottom 62 edges of the gussets 50, 54 are sealed together at the upperseam 38 and the lower seam 42 through the fold 154 and at least twelvelayers of film 46. The bag 10 further includes a cut-out 74. The cut-out74 commences at a first point 78 along the upper seam 38 spaced inwardlyfrom the first side edge 22 and extends to a second point 82 along theupper seam 38 spaced inwardly from the second side edge 26. The cut-out74 extends downwardly toward the lower seam 42, thereby defining an openbag mouth 80 and first 82 and second 86 bag handles.

(6) In a further variant, as illustrated in FIG. 20, the top edges 30 ofthe film bag 10 are joined at a perforation 90 to a header portion 94.The header portion 94 is removed from the bag 10 for use of the bag 10.

(7) In still a further variant, at least one aperture 98 is provided forsuspending a pack (not shown) of the bags 10 from a dispensing fixture(not shown).

(8) In yet a further variant, the film 46 includes about 40-48 wt. %high density, high molecular weight polyethylene, 12-20 wt. % highdensity, medium molecular weight polyethylene, 20-30 wt. % linear lowdensity polyethylene, 0-8 wt. % color concentrate.

(9) In another variant of the invention, the film 46 includes 0.5 wt. %slip and antiblock compound.

(10) In still another variant, the film 46 includes 1-3 wt. % calciumcarbonate.

(11) In yet another variant, the film 46 includes 10-20 wt. % recycledmaterial, the recycled material includes about 40-48 wt. % high density,high molecular weight polyethylene, 12-20 wt. % high density, mediummolecular weight polyethylene, 20-30 wt. % linear low densitypolyethylene, 0-8 wt. % color concentrate.

(12) In a further variant, the 10-15 wt. % of the linear low densitypolyethylene has a density ranging from 0.923-0.924 gm/cc.

(13) In still a further variant, the 10-15 wt. % of the linear lowdensity polyethylene has a melt index ranging from 0.25-0.30 gm/10minutes.

(14) In yet a further variant, the high density, medium molecular weightpolyethylene has a density ranging from 0.937-0.947 gm/cc.

(15) In another variant of the invention, the high density, mediummolecular weight polyethylene has a melt index ranging from 0.10-0.30gm/10 minutes.

(16) In still another variant, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-7 and 8-13, anapparatus 110 for making a film bag with reinforced bag seams 10,includes a film extruder 114. The extruder 114 produces a continuoustube 118 of film material 46. A flattener 122 is provided. The flattener122 produces a continuous web 126 of flattened film material 46. The web126 has a first surface 130 and a second surface 134. A fold maker 138is provided. The fold maker 138 has a displacing portion 142 and areceiving portion 146. The receiving portion 146 is positioned adjacentthe first surface 130 of the web 126. The displacing portion 142 ispositioned adjacent the second surface 134 of the web 126 and movescyclically toward the second surface to a first position 150 to locate aportion of the web 126 into the receiving portion 146, thereby forming afold 154 in the web 126. The displacing portion 142 moves cyclicallyaway from the second surface to a second position 158 outside of thefold 154. The fold 154 has a leading surface 162, a trailing surface166, a first edge 170 positioned adjacent the web 126 and a second edge174 spaced from the first edge 170.

A fold retention device 178 is provided. The retention device 178prevents the fold 154 from opening as the web 126 moves through theapparatus 110. A presser 182 is provided. The presser 182 is positionedadjacent the first surface of the web 126 and urges the fold 154 againstthe web 126 after folding. A sealer 186 is provided. The sealer 186provides at least one seam 38, 42 across the web 126 through the fold154, thereby sealing at least six layers of film 46 together to form areinforced bag seam 194. A cutter 198 is provided. The cutter 198 seversa sealed portion 202 of the web 126 from a remaining portion 206 of theweb 126. A transport mechanism 210 is provided. The transport mechanism210 moves the flattened film material 46 from the extruder 114, throughthe flattener 122, into the fold maker 138, beneath the presser 182,into the sealer 186 and to the cutter 198.

(17) In yet another variant, the fold retention device 178 furtherincludes at least one tack welding element 214. The element 214 weldsthe web 126 through the fold 154 from the leading surface 130 to thetrailing surface 134. The element 214 is sized, shaped and positioned toweld the web 126 through the fold 154 adjacent the first edge 170.

(18) In a further variant, the element 214 is sized, shaped andpositioned to weld the web 126 through the fold 154 adjacent the firstedge 170 and adjacent the second edge 174.

(19) In still a further variant, the displacing portion 142 of the foldmaker 138 includes at least one opening 218, the opening 218 is sized,shaped and positioned to provide a path 222 for welding the uppersurface 130 to the lower surface 134.

(20) In yet a further variant, as illustrated in FIGS. 16-18, thetransport mechanism 210 includes first 226 and second 230 drive rollers.The first drive roller 226 is movably located above the web 126 beforethe fold maker 138 and the second drive roller 230 is located in contactwith the web 126 between the presser 182 and the sealer 186. The firstdrive roller 226 is out of contact with the web 126 when the displacingportion 142 of the fold maker 138 is in the first position 150 to locatea portion of the web 126 into the receiving portion 146 to form the fold154. The first drive roller 226 is in contact with and driving the web126 when the displacing portion 142 of the fold maker 138 is in thesecond position 158 outside of the fold 154, thereby preventing the fold154 from opening as the fold 154 enters the presser 182.

(21) In another variant of the invention, the sealer 186 contacts theweb 126 when the displacing portion 142 of the fold maker 138 is in thefirst position 150 to locate a portion of the web 126 into the receivingportion 146 to form the fold 154. The sealer 186 is out of contact withthe web 126 when the displacing portion 142 of the fold maker 138 is inthe second position 158 outside of the fold 154, thereby permitting thefold 154 to enter the presser 182.

(22) In still another variant, as illustrated in FIGS. 6-7 and 12-13,the sealer 186 provides lower 42 and upper 38 parallel seams across theweb 126 through the fold 154 and the cutter 198 severs the web 126between the lower 42 and upper 38 parallel seams.

(23) In yet another variant, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 14-15, a bagmouth cutter (not shown) is provided. The bag mouth cutter 246 cuts acut-out 74 that commences at a first point 78 along the upper seam 38spaced inwardly from a first outside edge 250 of the web 126 and extendsto a second point 82 along the upper seam 38 spaced inwardly from asecond outside edge 254 of the web 126. The cut-out 74 extendsdownwardly toward a subsequent lower seam 42, thereby defining an openbag mouth 78 and first 82 and second 86 bag handles.

(24) In a further variant, as illustrated in FIG. 8, a gusseter 258 isprovided. The gusseter 258 causes at least one of the outside edges 250,254 of the web 126 to be positioned inwardly between the first surface130 and the second surface 134 of the web 126 prior to forming the fold154.

(25) In still a further variant, as illustrated in FIG. 14, the top 58and bottom 62 edges of the gussets 50, 54 are sealed together at theupper seam 38 and the lower seam 42 through at least twelve layers offilm 46.

(26) In another variant of the invention, as illustrated in FIGS. 21 and22, a winder 262 is provided. The winder 262 winds the web 126 onto astorage reel 266 for later processing.

(27) In yet a further variant, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-7, a method formaking a film bag with reinforced bag seams 10 includes the steps of:Providing a film extruder 114. The extruder 114 produces a continuoustube 118 of film material 46. Providing a flattener 122. The flattener122 produces a continuous web 126 of flattened film material 46. The web126 has a first surface 130 and a second surface 134. Providing a foldmaker 138. The fold maker 138 has a displacing portion 142 and areceiving portion 146. The receiving portion 146 is positioned adjacentthe first surface 130 of the web 126. The displacing portion 142 ispositioned adjacent the second surface 134 of the web 126.

Moving the displacing portion 142 cyclically toward the second to afirst position 150 to locate a portion of the web 126 into the receivingportion 146, thereby forming a fold 154 in the web 126. Moving thedisplacing portion 142 cyclically away from the second surface to asecond position 158 outside of the fold 154. The fold 154 has a leadingsurface 162, a trailing surface 166, a first edge 170 positionedadjacent the web 126 and a second edge 174 spaced from the first edge170. Providing a fold retention device 178. The retention device 178prevents the fold 154 from opening as the web 126 moves through theapparatus 110. Providing a presser 182. The presser 182 is positionedadjacent the first surface of the web 126 and urges the fold 154 againstthe web 126 after folding. Providing a sealer 186. The sealer 186provides at least one seam 38, 42 across the web 126 through the fold154, thereby sealing at least six layers of film 46 together to form areinforced bag seam 194. Providing a cutter 198. The cutter 198 severs asealed portion 202 of the web 126 from a remaining portion 206 of theweb 126. Providing a transport mechanism 210. The transport mechanism210 moves the flattened film material 46 from the extruder 114, throughthe flattener 122, into the fold maker 138, beneath the presser 182,into the sealer 186 and to the cutter 198.

(28) In another variant of the invention, the method for making a filmbag with reinforced bag seams 10 further includes the step of: Providingthe fold retention device 178 with at least one tack welding element214. The element 214 welding the web 126 through the fold 154 from thefirst surface 130 to the second surface 134. The element 214 is sized,shaped and positioned to weld the web 126 through the fold 154 adjacentthe first edge 170.

(29) In still another variant, the method for making a film bag withreinforced bag seams 10 further includes the step of welding the web 126through the fold 154 adjacent the first edge 170 and adjacent the secondedge 174.

(30) In yet another variant, the method for making a film bag withreinforced bag seams 10 further includes the step of providing thedisplacing portion 142 of the fold maker 138 with at least one opening218. The opening 218 is sized, shaped and positioned to provide a path222 for welding the upper surface 130 to the lower surface 134.

(31) In a further variant, as illustrated in FIGS. 16-18, the method formaking a film bag with reinforced bag seams 10 further includes thesteps of providing the transport mechanism 210 with at least first 226and second 230 drive rollers. The first drive roller 226 is movablylocated above the web 126 before the fold maker 138 and the second driveroller 230 is located in contact with the web 126 between the presser182 and the sealer 186. Moving the first drive roller 226 out of contactwith the web 126 when the displacing portion 142 of the fold maker 138is in the first position 150 to locate a portion of the web 126 into thereceiving portion 146 to form the fold 154. Moving the first driveroller 226 into contact with and driving the web 126 when the displacingportion 142 of the fold maker 138 is in the second position 158 outsideof the fold 154, thereby preventing the fold 154 from opening as thefold 154 enters the presser 182.

(32) In still a further variant, the method for making a film bag withreinforced bag seams 10 further includes the steps of moving the sealer186 to contact the web 126 when the displacing portion 142 of the foldmaker 138 is in the first position 150 to locate a portion of the web126 into the receiving portion 146 to form the fold 154 and moving thesealer 186 out of contact with the web 126 when the displacing portion142 of the fold maker 138 is in the second position 158 outside of thefold 154, thereby permitting the fold 154 to enter the presser 182.

(33) In yet a further variant, as illustrated in FIGS. 6-7 and 12-13,the method for making a film bag with reinforced bag seams 10 furtherincludes the steps of providing lower 42 and upper 38 parallel seamsacross the web 126 through the fold 154. Severing the web 126 betweenthe lower 42 and upper 38 parallel seams.

(34) In another variant of the invention, as illustrated in FIGS. 14 and15, the method for making a film bag with reinforced bag seams 10further includes the step of providing a bag mouth cutter (not shown).The bag mouth cutter cuts a cut-out 74 that commences at a first point78 along the upper seam 38 spaced inwardly from a first outside edge 250of the web 126 and extends to a second point 82 along the upper seam 38spaced inwardly from a second outside edge 254 of the web 126. Thecut-out 74 extends downwardly toward a subsequent lower seam 42, therebydefining an open bag mouth 78 and first 82 and second 86 bag handles.

(35) In still another variant, as illustrated in FIG. 8, the method formaking a film bag with reinforced bag seams 10 further includes the stepof providing a gusseter 258. The gusseter 258 causes at least one of theoutside edges 250, 254 of the web 126 to be positioned inwardly betweenthe upper surface 130 and the lower surface 134 of the web 126 prior toforming the fold 154.

(36) In yet another variant, the method for making a film bag withreinforced bag seams 10 further includes the step of sealing togetherthe top 58 and bottom 62 edges of the gussets 50, 54 at the upper seam38 and the lower seam 42 through at least twelve layers of film 46.

(37) In a final variant, the method for making a film bag withreinforced bag seams 10, as illustrated in FIGS. 21 and 22, includes thefurther steps of providing a winder 262. The winder 262 winds thecontinuous web 126 of flattened film material 46 onto a storage reel 266for later processing, unwinding the web 126 from the storage reel 266,and feeding the web 126 into the fold maker 138.

An appreciation of the other aims and objectives of the presentinvention and an understanding of it may be achieved by referring to theaccompanying drawings and the detailed description of a preferredembodiment.

1. A film bag with reinforced bag seams, comprising: a front wall and aback wall, said walls being joined at first and second side edges; eachof said front and back walls having a top edge and a bottom edge; afold, said fold disposed in said front and back walls; said folddisposed in a plane parallel to said front wall; and at least one pairof said top and bottom edges being sealed together at either of an upperseam and a lower seam through said fold and at least six layers of film.2. The film bag with reinforced bag seams, as described in claim 1,further comprising: first and second side gussets, each of said gussetsbeing folded inwardly from one of said first and second side edges; saidgussets having a top edge and a bottom edge; and at least one pair ofsaid top and bottom edges of said gussets being sealed together ateither of said upper seam and said lower seam through said fold and atleast twelve layers of film.
 3. The film bag with reinforced bag seams,as described in claim 1, further comprising an open bag mouth and ahandle aperture, said handle aperture penetrating said front wall andsaid back wall.
 4. The film bag with reinforced bag seams, as describedin claim 1, wherein said top and bottom edges are sealed together atsaid upper seam and said lower seam through said fold and at least sixlayers of film and further comprising: a cut-out, said cut-outcommencing at a first point along said upper seam spaced inwardly fromsaid first side edge and extending to a second point along said upperseam spaced inwardly from said second side edge, said cut-out extendingdownwardly toward said lower seam, thereby defining an open bag mouthand first and second bag handles.
 5. The film bag with reinforced bagseams, as described in claim 2, wherein said top and bottom edges ofsaid gussets are sealed together at said upper seam and said lower seamthrough said fold and at least twelve layers of film and furthercomprising: a cut-out, said cut-out commencing at a first point alongsaid upper seam spaced inwardly from an outside edge of said firstgusset and extending to a second point along said upper seam spacedinwardly from an outside edge of said second gusset, said cut-outextending downwardly toward said lower seam, thereby defining an openbag mouth and first and second bag handles.
 6. The film bag withreinforced bag seams, as described in claim 1, wherein said top edges ofsaid film bag are joined at a perforation to a header portion, saidheader portion being removed from said bag for use of said bag.
 7. Thefilm bag with reinforced bag seams, as described in claim 6, whereinsaid header comprises at least one aperture for suspending a pack ofsaid bags from a dispensing fixture.
 8. The film bag with reinforced bagseams, as described in claim 1, wherein said film comprises about 40-48wt. % high density, high molecular weight polyethylene, 12-20 wt. % highdensity, medium molecular weight polyethylene, 20-30 wt. % linear lowdensity polyethylene, 0-8 wt. % color concentrate.
 9. The film bag withreinforced bag seams, as described in claim 8, further comprising 0.5wt. % slip and antiblock compound.
 10. The film bag with reinforced bagseams, as described in claim 8, further comprising 1-3 wt. % calciumcarbonate.
 11. The film bag with reinforced bag seams, as described inclaim 8, further comprising 10-20 wt. % recycled material, said recycledmaterial comprising about 40-48 wt. % high density, high molecularweight polyethylene, 12-20 wt. % high density, medium molecular weightpolyethylene, 20-30 wt. % linear low density polyethylene, 0-8 wt. %color concentrate.
 12. The film bag with reinforced bag seams, asdescribed in claim 8, wherein 10-15 wt. % of said linear low densitypolyethylene has a density ranging from 0.923-0.924 gm/cc.
 13. The filmbag with reinforced bag seams, as described in claim 8, wherein 10-15wt. % of said linear low density polyethylene has a melt index rangingfrom 0.25-0.30 gm/10 minutes.
 14. The film bag with reinforced bagseams, as described in claim 8, wherein said high density, mediummolecular weight polyethylene has a density ranging from 0.937-0.947gm/cc.
 15. The film bag with reinforced bag seams, as described in claim8, wherein said high density, medium molecular weight polyethylene has amelt index ranging from 0.10-0.30 gm/10 minutes.
 16. An apparatus formaking a film bag with reinforced bag seams, comprising: a filmextruder, said extruder producing a continuous tube of film material; aflattener, said flattener producing a continuous web of flattened filmmaterial; said web having a first surface and a second surface; a foldmaker; said fold maker having a displacing portion and a receivingportion; said receiving portion disposed adjacent said first surface ofsaid web; said displacing portion disposed adjacent said second surfaceof said web and moving cyclically toward said second surface to a firstposition to locate a portion of said web into said receiving portion,thereby forming a fold in said web, and cyclically away from said secondsurface to a second position outside of said fold; said fold having anleading surface, a trailing surface, a first edge disposed adjacent saidweb and a second edge spaced from said first edge; a fold retentiondevice, said retention device preventing said fold from opening as saidweb moves through said apparatus; said fold retention device furthercomprising: at least one tack welding element, said element welding saidweb through said fold from said leading surface to said trailingsurface; said element being sized, shaped and disposed to weld said webthrough said fold adjacent said first edge; a presser, said presserdisposed adjacent said first surface of said web and urging said foldagainst said web after folding; a sealer, said sealer providing at leastone seam across said web through said fold, thereby sealing at least sixlayers of film together to form a reinforced bag seam; a cutter, saidcutter severing a sealed portion of said web from a remaining, portionof said web; and a transport mechanism, said transport mechanism movingsaid flattened film material from said extruder, through said flattener,into said fold maker, beneath said presser, into said sealer and to saidcutter.
 17. (canceled)
 18. The apparatus for making a film bag withreinforced bag seams, as described in claim 16, wherein said element issized, shaped and disposed to weld said web through said fold adjacentsaid first edge and adjacent said second edge.
 19. The apparatus formaking a film bag with reinforced bag seams, as described in claim 16,wherein said displacing portion of said fold maker comprises at leastone opening, said opening sized, shaped and disposed to provide a pathfor welding said upper surface to said lower surface.
 20. An apparatusfor making a film bag with reinforced bag seams, comprising: a filmextruder, said extruder producing a continuous tube of film material; aflattener, said flattener producing a continuous web of flattened filmmaterial; said web having a first surface and a second surface; a foldmaker; said fold maker having a displacing portion and a receivingportion; said receiving portion disposed adjacent said first surface ofsaid web; said displacing portion disposed adjacent said second surfaceof said web and moving cyclically toward said second surface to a firstposition to locate a portion of said web into said receiving portion,thereby forming a fold in said web, and cyclically away from said secondsurface to a second position outside of said fold; said fold having anleading surface, a trailing surface, a first edge disposed adjacent saidweb and a second edge spaced from said first edge; a fold retentiondevice, said retention device preventing said fold from opening as saidweb moves through said apparatus; a presser, said presser disposedadjacent said first surface of said web and urging said fold againstsaid web after folding; a sealer, said sealer providing at least oneseam across said web through said fold, thereby sealing at least sixlayers of film together to form a reinforced bag seam; a cutter, saidcutter severing a sealed portion of said web from a remaining, portionof said web; a transport mechanism, said transport mechanism moving saidflattened film material from said extruder, through said flattener, intosaid fold maker, beneath said presser, into said sealer and to saidcutter. said transport mechanism comprising first and second driverollers, said first drive roller movably disposed adjacent said webbefore said fold maker and said second drive roller disposed in contactwith said web between said presser and said sealer; said first driverollers being out of contact with said web when said displacing portionof said fold maker is in said first position to locate a portion of saidweb into said receiving portion to form said fold; and said first driverollers being in contact with and driving said web when said displacingportion of said fold maker is in said second position outside of saidfold, thereby preventing said fold from opening as said fold enters saidpresser.
 21. The apparatus for making a film bag with reinforced bagseams, as described in claim 20, wherein: said sealer contacts said webwhen said displacing portion of said fold maker is in said firstposition to locate a portion of said web into said receiving portion toform said fold; and said sealer is out of contact with said web whensaid displacing portion of said fold maker is in said second positionoutside of said fold, thereby permitting said fold to enter saidpresser.
 22. The apparatus for making a film bag with reinforced bagseams, as described in claim 16, wherein said sealer provides lower andupper parallel seams across said web through said fold and said cuttersevers said web between said lower and upper parallel seams.
 23. Theapparatus for making a film bag with reinforced bag seams, as describedin claim 22, further comprising a bag mouth cutter, said bag mouthcutter cutting a cut-out commencing at a first point along said upperseam spaced inwardly from a first outside edge of said web and extendingto a second point along said upper seam spaced inwardly from a secondoutside edge of said web, said cut-out extending downwardly toward asubsequent lower seam, thereby defining an open bag mouth and first andsecond bag handles.
 24. The apparatus for making a film bag withreinforced bag seams, as described in claim 16, further comprising agusseter, said gusseter causing at least one of said outside edges ofsaid web to be positioned inwardly between said first surface and saidsecond surface of said web prior to forming said fold.
 25. The apparatusfor making a film bag with reinforced bag seams, as described in claim24, wherein said top and bottom edges of said gussets are sealedtogether at said upper seam and said lower seam through at least twelvelayers of film.
 26. The apparatus for making a film bag with reinforcedbag seams, as described in claim 16, further comprising a winder, saidwinder winding said web onto a storage reel for later processing.
 27. Amethod for making a film bag with reinforced bag seams, comprising thesteps of: providing a film extruder, said extruder producing acontinuous tube of film material; providing a flattener, said flattenerproducing a continuous web of flattened film material; said web havingan first surface and a second surface; providing a fold maker; said foldmaker having a displacing portion and a receiving portion; saidreceiving portion disposed adjacent said first surface of said web; saiddisplacing portion disposed adjacent said second surface of said web;moving said displacing portion cyclically toward said second surface toa first position to locate a portion of said web into said receivingportion, thereby forming a fold in said web; moving said displacingportion cyclically away from said second surface to a second positionoutside of said fold; said fold having a leading surface, a trailingsurface, a first edge disposed adjacent said web and a second edgespaced from said first edge; providing a fold retention device, saidretention device preventing said fold from opening as said web movesthrough said apparatus; providing a presser, said presser disposedadjacent said first surface of said web and urging said fold againstsaid web after folding; providing a sealer, said sealer providing atleast one seam across said web through said fold, thereby sealing atleast six layers of film together to form a reinforced bag seam;providing a cutter, said cutter severing a sealed portion of said webfrom a remaining, portion of said web; and providing a transportmechanism, said transport mechanism moving said flattened film materialfrom said extruder, through said flattener, into said fold maker,beneath said presser, into said sealer and to said cutter.
 28. Themethod for making a film bag with reinforced bag seams, as described inclaim 27, further comprising the step of providing said fold retentiondevice with at least one tack welding element, said element welding saidweb through said fold from said first surface to said second surface,said element being sized, shaped and disposed to weld said web throughsaid fold adjacent said first edge.
 29. The method for making a film bagwith reinforced bag seams, as described in claim 28, further comprisingthe step of welding said web through said fold adjacent said first edgeand adjacent said second edge.
 30. The method for making a film bag withreinforced bag seams, as described in claim 28, further comprising thestep of providing said displacing portion of said fold maker with atleast one opening, said opening sized, shaped and disposed to provide apath for welding said upper surface to said lower surface.
 31. Themethod for making a film bag with reinforced bag seams, as described inclaim 28, further comprising the steps of: providing said transportmechanism with at least first and second drive rollers, said first driveroller movably disposed adjacent said first surface of said web beforesaid fold maker and said second drive roller disposed in contact withsaid web between said presser and said sealer; moving said first driveroller out of contact with said web when said displacing portion of saidfold maker is in said first position to locate a portion of said webinto said receiving portion to form said fold; and moving said firstdrive roller into contact with and driving said web when said displacingportion of said fold maker is in said second position outside of saidfold, thereby preventing said fold from opening as said fold enters saidpresser.
 32. The method for making a film bag with reinforced bag seams,as described in claim 31, further comprising the steps of: moving saidsealer to contact said web when said displacing portion of said foldmaker is in said first position to locate a portion of said web intosaid receiving portion to form said fold; and moving said sealer out ofcontact with said web when said displacing portion of said fold maker isin said second position outside of said fold, thereby permitting saidfold to enter said presser.
 33. The method for making a film bag withreinforced bag seams, as described in claim 28, further comprising thesteps of: providing lower and upper parallel seams across said webthrough said fold; and severing said web between said lower and upperparallel seams.
 34. The method for making a film bag with reinforced bagseams, as described in claim 28, further comprising the step ofproviding a bag mouth cutter, said bag mouth cutter cutting a cut-outcommencing at a first point along said upper seam spaced inwardly from afirst outside edge of said web and extending to a second point alongsaid upper seam spaced inwardly from a second outside edge of said web,said cut-out extending downwardly toward a subsequent lower seam,thereby defining an open bag mouth and first and second bag handles. 35.The method for making a film bag with reinforced bag seams, as describedin claim 28, further comprising the step of providing a gusseter, saidgusseter causing at least one of said outside edges of said web to bepositioned inwardly between said first surface and said second surfaceof said web prior to forming said fold.
 36. The method for making a filmbag with reinforced bag seams, as described in claim 35, furthercomprising the step of sealing together said top and bottom edges ofsaid gussets at said upper seam and said lower seam through at leasttwelve layers of film.
 37. The method for making a film bag withreinforced bag seams, as described in claim 28, further comprising thesteps of: providing a winder, said winder winding said continuous web offlattened film material onto a storage reel for later processing;unwinding said web from said storage reel; and feeding said web intosaid fold maker.
 38. The apparatus for making a film bag with reinforcedbag seams, as described in claim 20, wherein said sealer provides lowerand upper parallel seams across said web through said fold and saidcutter severs said web between said lower and upper parallel seams. 39.The apparatus for making a film bag with reinforced bag seams, asdescribed in claim 20, further comprising a gusseter, said gussetercausing at least one of said outside edges of said web to be positionedinwardly between said first surface and said second surface of said webprior to forming said fold.
 40. The apparatus for making a film bag withreinforced bag seams, as described in claim 20, further comprising awinder, said winder winding said web onto a storage reel for laterprocessing.